US President Joe Biden plans to reopen the HealthCare.gov insurance markets for a special sign-up opportunity geared to people needing coverage in the coronavirus pandemic, AP reported.

Biden is expected to sign an executive order on Thursday, said two people familiar with the plan, whose details were still being finalised. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the pending order ahead of a formal announcement.

The White House had no comment on Biden's expected order, but the two people familiar with the plan said the new enrollment period would not go into effect immediately. Instead, the White House wants to provide time for the Department of Health and Human Services to mount a marketing campaign, and for insurers to get ready for an influx of new customers.